CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – It has been bitterly cold lately, and if you’re trying to stay warm, there are some things you should keep in mind.

According to the State Fire Marshal, heating is the second-leading cause of fires in Massachusetts.

Here are some things to remember:

You should have your chimney and furnace checked by a professional every year.

If you’re thinking of getting a wood, pellet or a coal stove you’ll need to get a permit from the local building inspector.

One in every 20 space heater fires results in death. Space heaters should be kept at least three feet away from anything that could possibly catch fire.

On Thursday, 22News spoke to some people who take precautions.
“Pulling everything away from registers, pulling everything away, and making sure you do general house cleaning. Cleaning up along the base boards making sure your vents are clear,” Louis Dukette of West Springfield.

“Besides having smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, I clean the stove once a week. I mean it’s the only way to go if you’re going to be safe,” Jim Grybko of South Deerfield said.

Unvented kerosene heaters are illegal in Massachusetts because they are considered too dangerous.